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17
'Dear God, my Master, you created earth and sky by your great power - by merely stretching out your arm! There is nothing you can't do.

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You're loyal in your steadfast love to thousands upon thousands - but you also make children live with the fallout from their parents' sins. Great and powerful God, named God-of-the-Angel-Armies,

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determined in purpose and relentless in following through, you see everything that men and women do and respond appropriately to the way they live, to the things they do.

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"'You performed signs and wonders in the country of Egypt and continue to do so right into the present, right here in Israel and everywhere else, too. You've made a reputation for yourself that doesn't diminish.

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You brought your people Israel out of Egypt with signs and wonders - a powerful deliverance! - by merely stretching out your arm.

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You gave them this land and solemnly promised to their ancestors a bountiful and fertile land.

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But when they entered the land and took it over, they didn't listen to you. They didn't do what you commanded. They wouldn't listen to a thing you told them. And so you brought this disaster on them.

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"'Oh, look at the siege ramps already set in place to take the city. Killing and starvation and disease are on our doorstep. The Babylonians are attacking! The Word you spoke is coming to pass - it's daily news!

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And yet you, God, the Master, even though it is certain that the city will be turned over to the Babylonians, also told me, Buy the field. Pay for it in cash. And make sure there are witnesses.'"

Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
(The Message Bible Online)